HARLEY WRAP-UP - Mount Vernon Chamber of Commerce

newsletterwww.mountvernonchamber.comChaCHATChamberCHhamberCHAThamberCc h a m b e r C H A TNOVEMBER 2004In This IssueChamber Calls Skagit StationHome . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1Harley Wrap-Up . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1Oyster Run . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2New Board Members . . . . . . . . . 2Board Retreat Recap . . . . . . . . . 2Candidates Forum . . . . . . . . . . . 3“Fall Into Fashion”Fashion Show . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3December Toy Drive. . . . . . . . . . 3Upbeat Award Winner:Dr. John . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4Member Benefits . . . . . . . . . . . . 4Meeting Room Rental . . . . . . . . 4Member Announcements . . . . . . 4New & Renewing Members . . . . 5Chamber Events . . . . . . . . . . . . 5CHAMBER CALLSSKAGIT STATIONHOMEThe Mount Vernon Chamber of Commercerecently moved into their permanent locationat the Skagit Station. The office is a greatlocation for visitors coming in by any modeof transportation. The staff and Board ofDirectors are excited about the new officespace and foresee many more great things forthis organization. Please stop by and check outthe new office Monday through Friday 8:30-5:30 or Saturdays 9:00-4:00.HARLEY WRAP-UPCONGRATULATIONS to Michele Keenanof Sedro-Woolley. Michelle is the luckywinner of a $20,000 gift certificate to SkagitHarley Davidson for the Harley of herdreams. Second place winner is DonnieKeltz of Mount Vernon, taking away agreat utility trailer provided by CostcoWholesale. Third place is Dave Eppig ofMonroe, winning the $250 gift certificateto Skagit Harley donated by RiverCityScreenprinting. The Burlington and MountVernon Chambers of Commerce would liketo thank Key Bank for their majorPlatinum Member:...See “Harley Wrap-UP” on page 4The Bridge To Skagit BusinessLegacy MembersSilver Member:Larry Clark President of the Board and ExecutiveDirector Kristen Whitener cut the ribbon at the recentBusiness After Hours at the Mount Vernon Chamber ofCommerce’s new office.Members of Win A Hog Team celebrate at OysterRun after wrapping up the 6 month long raffle.Bronze Member:The Mount Vernon Chamber of CommercePhone: (360) 428-8547Fax: (360) 424-6237Email: info@mountvernonchamber.comAddress: Post Office Box 1007105 East Kincaid StreetMount Vernon, WA 98273-1007Safe. Smart. Secure.IT Matters.Luxurious Living ForThe Independent SeniorAt Affordable PricesDonnie Keltz

www.mountvernonchamber.comOYSTER RUNSeptember 26th proved to be a verybusy day for not only Anacortes, but theentire Skagit Valley. The rumble couldbe heard from every corner of the countyas motorcycles of every brand arrived attheir final destination downtown. It wascertainly a site one would never forget. Ifyou have not had the opportunity to standin the middle of almost 15,000 motorcycles,that is an experience you must do. Most ofus think this event only affects Anacortes,this is the farthest thing from the truth.Although numbers this year were slightlydown, the economic impact the OysterRun left in our Valley is huge. With over30,000 people flooding to the area in lessthan a two-day period, everything fromrestaurants, shops and hotels were at fullcapacity. Just another example of tourismas business development.DECEMBER TOYDRIVEThe SkagitValley HeraldC h r i s t m a sFund’s 2004campaign isu n d e r w a y !Now in its55th year,the fund’smission isto providee m e r g e n c yhelp throughout the year to Skagit Countyresidents, and to distribute food and toys tothe needy during the Christmas season.For the next two months, the fundwill be soliciting donations of toys, books,hats, and money. With everyone’s helpapproximately 1,600 families will enjoy amerrier holiday.Chamber members are encouraged tobring donations to the Holiday Mixer onDecember 15 from 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. atthe Skagit Station. The Fund coordinator,Julie Toomey, requests that we focus ongifts for teenagers and infants.Also, donations can be mailed to theSkagit Valley Herald Christmas Fund atPO Box 578, Mount Vernon, WA 98273,or can be dropped off at the Skagit ValleyHerald office at 1000 East College Way inMount Vernon. Volunteers can call JulieToomey at 416-2129 to talk about volunteeropportunities.The Bridge To Skagit BusinessNEW CHAMBERBOARD MEMBERSChamber membership votes on new BoardMembers of the coming year, we are pleasedto introduce:Charlie Sullivan is the President andHead Brewer of Skagit River BrewingCompany.Barb Lowery is the Branch Manager ofPeoples Bank in Mount Vernon.Scott Sutton is the Skagit Valley SalesRepresentative of Towner Press.BOARD PLANNINGSESSIONPresident Larry Clark discusses the chamber withfellow board members Dale Ragan and Jana Hanson atthe chambers recent Board Planning SessionThe staff and board of the Mount VernonChamber of Commerce met last monthat Flounder Bay restaurant for a planningsession. Pat McGaughey facilitated theretreat again this year and assisted inkeeping the focus on key issues. The topissue for 2005 will be bringing the Chamberinto the forefront of technology in thebusiness community. Board members alsoidentified goals in each of the followingareas: administration, leadership, businessdevelopment, membership, programs andevents, governmental affairs.MountVernonChamber.com • NOVEMBER 2004

www.mountvernonchamber.comCANDIDATEFORUM RECAPThe Mount Vernon Chamber of Commercewrapped up its second candidate forumon September 23rd at the CottonTree Inn.The forum was sponsored by Puget SoundEnergy, Skagit Valley Herald and KAPSand KBRC Radio. Fourteen candidateswere in attendance from six differentpositions. Each candidate was given 3minutes to speak on the issues they wouldfocus on if they were elected and abouttheir background. The crowd was again arecord number and the forum was airedfor two weeks on MVTV 10. Look for moreinformation on candidates after the electionon our Governmental Affairs page onwww.mountvernonchamber.com.The Bridge To Skagit BusinessFALL into theHOLIDAYSFASHION SHOWCatering for all OccasionsAppetizers • Party Platters • Boxed MealsWedding Cakes • Delivery AvailableToll Free 1-866-912-2233Serving Skagit and Whatcom CountiesTune InMonday mornings, Chamber ExectuiveKristen Whitener, addresses the SkagitValley with updates on Chamber activity.406211July Haggen Catering AdMount Vernon ChamberKAPS8:20amKBRC8:40:amIs This You?The Mount Vernon Chamber is seekingoffice VOLUNTEERS. If you, or someoneyou know is interested, call 428-8547.Local candidates candidly answer questions atrecent Mount Vernon Chamber forum.WSDOT PROVIDESSERVICE FORChamber Executive Director KristenWhitener recently met with Mr. AlanHarger, Manager of Business Developmentand Transportation Economic Partnershipsfor the Washington State Departmentof Transportation (WSDOT). Theirdiscussion was focused on what assistancehis department can provide Mount VernonChamber of Commerce members. Memberscan gather up-to-date information byeither logging onto the WSDOT web sitewww.wsdot.wa.gov/tepd, or by calling(360) 705-7593 for direct information onall projects including the Viaduct project.The WSDOT is the point for businessesthat want information and assistance;they help Washington firms resolvetransportation issues so they can get onwith their business.Friday, November 5thChrist The Kingcommunity center.11:30am to 1:30pm• Start Your Christmas Wish-list• Browse Vendor Booths• Buffet Luncheon• EntertainmentBUSINESSESIt’s what you doCall the Chamber 428-8547 for tickets:$18 in advance, $20 at the door.AFTERHOURSthat really matters.who: Express Personnelwhen: Tuesday, November 9thwhere: 525 E. College Way, Suite Ftime: 5:00-7:00 p.m.

www.mountvernonchamber.comMEMBERBENEFITSDid you know the Mount Vernon Chamberof Commerce can promote your businessto 4000 businesses in the Skagit Valleyeach quarter? September noted the firstmailing off the special edition of ChamberChat that not only promoted the MountVernon Chamber of Commerce but alsoour great chamber members. Inserts andadvertisements are available through thechamber office. Feedback from the firstmailing has been phenomenal and we lookforward to our new quarterly mailingsWCCECONFERENCENovember 11th marks a special day forVeteran’s around the United States. TheWashington Chamber of CommerceExecutive Directors Association willcelebrate this occasion by kicking off theirannual statewide conference with a specialceremony honoring our Veterans. DickIrwin, Burlington Chamber conferencechair and Kristen Whitener, Mount VernonChamber committee member say theyare putting together a first-class agendafocusing on chamber and business issues.The conference is open to all chamber staffand members. Mount Vernon will have 5representatives attending all sessions.UPBEAT AWARDWINNER:Dr. John JarolomekThe recipientof the MountVernon Chamberof Commerce’sfamed “Up-Beat Award” forOctober is Dr.John Jarolomekof College WayChiropractic. “Dr. John” as he is known,is an active advocate of the Chamber.He makes time to participate in andsupport any and every Chamber event.Congratulations Dr. John!MEETING ROOMRESERVATIONSThe new Skagit Station has a communitymeeting room available for reservation.The 1,500 sq foot space can accommodate95 people, and has a warming kitchenattached. Current rates ranges from $100 -$225. Call 428-8547 to reserve; the calendaris filling quickly.Harley Wrap-upcontinued from Page 1...sponsorship and help throughout the raffleas well as our other sponsors that madeenormous contributions to this event. OurTeam Harley was a large part of our success.Thank you to Team chair Carrie Parks,Landed Gentry and team members: ScottSutton, Towner Press; Donna Backman,RiverCity Screenprinting; Mike Yeoman,KAPS; Anthony Petz, Office SystemsNorthwest; Becky Willis and StephanieHamilton, Mary Kay; Kris Tully and DarcyOwens; Key Bank; Vicky Valentine, Wallaceand Associates; and Roger Valentine, FoodServices of America.The Bridge To Skagit BusinessMEMBERANNOUNCEMENTSSkagit Valley College BusinessResource Center is having an openhouse on November 18 from 4:00 –7:00 p.m. If you are starting a business orgrowing a business, come learn about theprograms and services provided by our BRC.The Business Resource Center is located at204 W. Montgomery – across from the SkagitRiver Brewing Company. Please RSVP at(360) 416-7873.Oasys is having an open house on October17. Allen Grenz, owner, has purchased abuilding at 1575 Port Drive (across fromUPS) in Burlington. “We will have morespace for products and supplies, which willenable us to greatly improve our business,”says Grenz. On November 18 from 10 a.m.– 5 p.m. the public is invited to an openhouse and technology showcase. A HandsAcross the River Production (HARP)Business After Hours is scheduled for 5:00– 7:00 p.m.We are pleased to announce that GalenDesign Associates (GDA) was awardedfor achievement in design excellence forFoothills Auto Center new corporate logoby Creativity Design Annual. The Foothillslogo will be published in a hardboundannual and distributed internationally. Thisis the 28th design award received by GDAin regional, national and internationalcompetition in its 24 years of designservice.Boomers Sew n Vac is providing a SewingExpo November 12th, 13th, and 14that the Skagit Casino Resort. FeaturingSue Hausmann, Cindy Losecamp, M’lissRae Hawley just to name a few. Therewill be 17 classes to choose from andspace is limited. Call 336-3127 or emailmike@boomers.comBarry and Brenda Harter recently sold CaféBurlington to Brad and Amy Whaley ofSkagit County. After 11 years the Hartersare excited to start new endeavors. Bradand Amy officially took over October16th. Barry will be assisting at therestaurant until November 30th.MountVernonChamber.com • NOVEMBER 2004

www.mountvernonchamber.comNEW MEMBERSSkagit Medical BillingLuis PimentelMike Cossairt520 S. 1st Street, Suite #207Mount Vernon, WA 98273Phone: 360-419-7036Fax: 866-311-9961Email: skagitbilling@comcast.netEden HatsLousie EdenP.O. Box 298Anacortes, WA 98221Phone: 360-299-6669ApparelNovember 5Fashion Show & Lunch11:30 – 1:30 p.m.Christ the King community centerNovember 9Chamber Board Meeting7: 30 a.m.Skagit StationSmith BarneyLin J. Nelson301 Kincaid StreetMount Vernon, WA 98273Phone: 360-336-9521lin.j.nelson@smithbarney.comFinancial ServicesA Plus Tax ServicesFrances S. Saler920 Lincoln Street, Suite #BMount Vernon, WA 98273Phone: 360-428-6682Fax: 360-428-6682Aplus98274@peoplepc.comTax ServicesRENEWING MEMBERSAirporter ShuttleAlf Christianson Seed CompanyAllelujah Business SystemsArbor Pacific Forestry ServiceAshley GardensBirch Equipment Rental & SalesBode DesignBon Macy’sCafé BurlingtonCamwood JewelersCar Stereo PlusCascade Natural Gas CorpCity of Mount VernonCollins Office SupplyComfort InnEaglemont Golf ClubEsary Roofing CompanyFarmhouse RestaurantFine B InvestmentFirst American Title CompanyGalen DesignHansen’s Furniture Inc.Hawthorne Funeral HomeHolland HealthJ.D.’s LaundryKAPS Radio 660 AMKaptein’s Ace HardwareKBRC Radio 1430 AMKelly ServicesKitchens & DesignsKLKI Radio 1340 AML.A.E. Auto PartsLowe’sMax Dale’s RestaurantMcMillian Brothers AuctionMobile Music UnlimitedMount Vernon Building CenterMount Vernon Frame & AxleMount Vernon Vision SourceNelson Petroleum DistributingPadgett Accounting CenterPort of Skagit CountyPrime Outlets of BurlingtonPrudential Skagit RealtorsRay’s Auto PartsRegence/Blue ShieldREMAX Valley HomesRent-A-CenterCHAMBER EVENTSAmbassador Meting12:30 p.m.Skagit StationBusiness After HoursExpress Personnel Services5:00 – 7:00 p.m.525 E. College Way, Ste FBackman Marketing, Inc.Donna Backman3320 Trumpeter DriveMount Vernon, WA 98273Phone: 360-420-3385Fax: 360-424-3516backmanmarketing@comcast.netRiverside Health ClubRoyal Forks RestaurantSalon Per Dona Day SpaScott’s Book StoreSkagit Business & StaffingSkagit County Business MonthlySkagit County FairSkagit Farmer’s SupplySkagit Ford SubaruSkagit Gardens, Inc.Skagit Valley CollegeSkagit Valley HospitalSkagit Valley Medical CenterSkagit Valley PolarisSkagit-Whatcom ElectronicsTazer Valley FarmTulip InnU.S. Bank ServiceWells Fargo BankWindemere Real Estate – SkagitValleyWycoff InsuranceNovember 11Office closedVeteren’s DayNovember 25 & 26Thanksgiving WeekendOffice ClosedThe Bridge To Skagit BusinessYour LOCAL information resourcefor Northwest Washington StateMacGregorPUBLISHING COMPANYTHE PLAID BOOKSPhone Directories • Newcomers’ & Visitors’ GuidesAll Available at your Chamber of Commerce.Or our offices: 17869 SR 536 • Mount Vernon(360) 336-6171 • www.PlaidNET.com

www.mountvernonchamber.comO F F I C E S TA F FThe Bridge To Skagit BusinessB O A R D O F D I R E C T O R SExecutive DirectorKristen WhitenerChamber Office ManagerSue SayerMembership DevelopmentSusie HellerVICKeith RidgleyPresidentLarry ClarkAmerican Express AdvisorVice PresidentStephanie HamiltonMary Kay CosmeticsTreasurerFrank TuzzolinoGeiger’s Custom CleaningPast PresidentPat GrenfellCity BakeryLegal CounselRachelle EasonThe Eason Law Firm, P.S.Claudine JolyKAPS/KBRCJana HansonCity of Mount VernonGeorge FeldmanHaggen Food &PharmacyMike BegleyBoomer’s Sewing/Vacuum CenterGeorgiann DustinEncore EventsLibation StationDan BerentsonSkagit CountyDonnie KeltzAll State InsuranceJon PedersonPrime West GraphicsDottie PiazzaPiazza ConstructionTim PriceEdward JonesDale RaganKarl’s PaintsDr. Karen WestraRiverside Health ClubCarrie ParksLanded GentryPRESORTEDSTANDARDUS POSTAGE PAIDMOUNT VERNON, WAPERMIT No. 47Phone: (360) 428-8547Fax: (360) 424-6237Post Office Box 1007Mount Vernon, WA 98273-1007www.mountvernonchamber.com